Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A touch panel sensor comprising: (a) a substrate; and (b) an electrode provided on a flat surface of the substrate and having a detection electrode for use in positional detection and an extraction electrode connected to the detection electrode, (c) wherein the detection electrode, in any cross-section thereof in a thickness direction, includes a metal layer which occupies at least part of the cross-section, (d) wherein the detection electrode includes a conductive mesh having first conductors and open areas, (e) wherein the first conductors have a base surface on the substrate side, a flat top surface located opposite to the base surface, and a pair of side surfaces extending between the base surface and the top surface, (f) wherein a width of the first conductors is narrower at the base surface than at the top surface, (g) wherein each of the first conductors includes a first blackened layer on or in the flat top surface, (h) wherein the extraction electrode includes second conductors each having a second blackened layer on or in a top surface thereof, (i) wherein the first and second conductors are the same material, (j) wherein the first and second conductors have the same thickness, (k) wherein the first and second blackened layers are the same material, (l) wherein the first and second blackened layers have the same thickness, (m) wherein a width of the second conductors is larger than a width of the first conductors, and (n) wherein a width of the second blackened layer is larger than a width of the first blackened layer.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate with an electrode layer on its flat surface. The electrode layer comprises a detection electrode for positional detection and an extraction electrode connected to the detection electrode. The detection electrode features a conductive mesh with first conductors and open areas. In cross-section, the first conductors have a metal layer occupying part of the structure. The first conductors taper narrower at their base surface (adjacent to the substrate) compared to their flat top surface, with side surfaces connecting the two. The top surface of each first conductor includes a first blackened layer. The extraction electrode consists of second conductors, each with a second blackened layer on their top surface. Both the first and second conductors are made of the same material and have the same thickness. The first and second blackened layers are also the same material and thickness. However, the second conductors are wider than the first conductors, and the second blackened layer is wider than the first blackened layer. This design ensures uniform light absorption and reduces visibility of the electrodes while maintaining electrical conductivity. The extraction electrode's wider conductors facilitate signal extraction without compromising optical transparency. The blackened layers enhance light absorption, improving touch panel performance in bright environments.
2. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a width of the first conductors continuously decreases from the top surface toward the base surface.
A touch panel sensor includes a transparent substrate with a base surface and a top surface. The sensor has a plurality of first conductors and second conductors arranged in a grid pattern. The first conductors are electrically connected to a first terminal and extend from the first terminal toward the second conductors. The second conductors are electrically connected to a second terminal and extend from the second terminal toward the first conductors. The first conductors have a width that continuously decreases from the top surface toward the base surface. This design improves visibility and reduces interference with light transmission while maintaining electrical conductivity. The sensor may also include a plurality of first terminals and second terminals, with the first conductors connected to the first terminals and the second conductors connected to the second terminals. The first and second terminals may be arranged along opposite edges of the substrate. The sensor may further include a plurality of first connection lines and second connection lines, with the first connection lines connecting the first conductors to the first terminals and the second connection lines connecting the second conductors to the second terminals. The first and second connection lines may be formed on the same layer as the first and second conductors or on a different layer. The sensor may also include a plurality of insulating layers to electrically isolate the conductors and connection lines. The design ensures uniform electrical performance while minimizing visual obstruction.
3. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a width of an upper portion of the first conductors decreases from the top surface toward the base surface, and a width of a lower portion of the first conductors increases toward the base surface.
This invention relates to a touch panel sensor designed to improve signal transmission and sensitivity. The sensor includes a base surface and a top surface, with first conductors arranged between them. The first conductors have a unique tapered structure: the upper portion of each conductor narrows as it extends from the top surface toward the base surface, while the lower portion widens as it approaches the base surface. This design enhances electrical performance by optimizing signal propagation and reducing interference. The sensor may also include second conductors intersecting the first conductors to form a grid, with insulating layers separating them to prevent short circuits. The base surface provides structural support, while the top surface interacts with user touch inputs. The tapered conductor design improves sensitivity and accuracy by ensuring consistent signal strength across the sensor area. This structure is particularly useful in touchscreens for electronic devices, where reliable and responsive touch detection is critical. The invention addresses challenges in maintaining signal integrity and touch precision in compact, high-performance touch panel sensors.
4. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a width of an upper portion of the first conductors increases from the top surface toward the base surface, and a width of a lower portion of the first conductors decreases toward the base surface.
This invention relates to a touch panel sensor with an improved conductor design for enhanced sensitivity and durability. The sensor includes a base surface and a top surface, with first conductors arranged between them. The first conductors have a unique tapered structure where the width of the upper portion increases from the top surface toward the base surface, while the width of the lower portion decreases toward the base surface. This design optimizes electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. The sensor also includes second conductors intersecting the first conductors, forming a grid pattern for detecting touch inputs. The first conductors are electrically connected to the second conductors at intersection points, ensuring reliable signal transmission. The base surface provides structural support, while the top surface allows user interaction. The tapered design of the first conductors improves signal strength and reduces signal loss, enhancing touch detection accuracy. The sensor is suitable for applications requiring high sensitivity and durability, such as smartphones, tablets, and other touch-sensitive devices. The invention addresses the need for improved conductor designs in touch panels to balance electrical performance and mechanical robustness.
6. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a height/width aspect ratio of a cross-sectional shape of the first conductors is 0.04 to 2.00.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate with a plurality of first conductors and second conductors arranged in a grid pattern to detect touch inputs. The first conductors are formed on the substrate and have a specific cross-sectional shape with an aspect ratio of height to width between 0.04 and 2.00. This aspect ratio range ensures optimal electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility while maintaining durability. The second conductors are arranged perpendicular to the first conductors and are electrically insulated from them, forming a grid that detects touch coordinates. The first conductors may be formed using a conductive material such as metal or a transparent conductive oxide, and their cross-sectional shape is designed to minimize signal interference and improve touch sensitivity. The aspect ratio control prevents excessive thickness that could reduce flexibility or excessive thinness that could compromise conductivity. The sensor may be integrated into displays or standalone touch interfaces, providing accurate touch detection with improved reliability. The design ensures uniform signal distribution and reduces manufacturing defects, enhancing overall performance.
7. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a height/width aspect ratio of a cross-sectional shape of the first conductors is 0.67 to 7.00.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate with a plurality of first conductors and second conductors arranged in a grid pattern. The first conductors are electrically insulated from the second conductors and are configured to detect touch inputs. The first conductors have a cross-sectional shape with a height/width aspect ratio between 0.67 and 7.00. This aspect ratio range ensures optimal signal transmission and sensitivity while maintaining structural integrity. The first conductors may be formed using a conductive material such as metal or a transparent conductive oxide, and their cross-sectional shape can be rectangular, trapezoidal, or another suitable geometry. The second conductors, which intersect the first conductors, are similarly insulated and may have a different aspect ratio or cross-sectional shape to optimize performance. The touch panel sensor is designed for use in electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and touchscreen displays, where precise touch detection is required. The specified aspect ratio of the first conductors improves touch sensitivity and reduces signal interference, enhancing overall performance.
8. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the first conductors also include a second blackened layer on or in the base surface.
A touch panel sensor includes a transparent substrate with a base surface and a plurality of first conductors and second conductors. The first conductors are formed on the base surface and include a first blackened layer on or in the base surface. The second conductors are formed on the base surface and are electrically insulated from the first conductors. The first blackened layer reduces light reflection from the base surface, improving visibility and contrast. The second blackened layer, also on or in the base surface, further enhances light absorption, reducing glare and improving touch accuracy. The first and second conductors form a grid pattern, where the first conductors are arranged in a first direction and the second conductors are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first. The sensor detects touch inputs by measuring changes in capacitance between the conductors. The blackened layers are applied using a blackening process, such as blackening treatment or blackening coating, to achieve the desired optical properties. This design improves touch panel performance in bright environments by minimizing reflections and enhancing touch sensitivity.
9. The touch panel sensor according to claim 8 , wherein the substrate has a second surface opposite the flat surface and the first conductors are also formed on the second surface.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate with a flat surface and a plurality of first conductors formed on the flat surface. The first conductors are arranged in a pattern to detect touch inputs. The substrate also has a second surface opposite the flat surface, and the first conductors are additionally formed on this second surface. This dual-sided conductor arrangement enhances touch sensitivity and reduces interference, improving the accuracy and reliability of touch detection. The sensor may further include a plurality of second conductors intersecting the first conductors to form a grid, with insulating layers separating the intersecting conductors to prevent electrical contact. The first conductors on both surfaces of the substrate may be aligned or offset to optimize signal transmission and minimize noise. The sensor is designed for integration into electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and touchscreens, where precise and responsive touch input is required. The dual-sided conductor configuration allows for more efficient use of space and improved performance in thin or compact devices.
10. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the first conductors are formed of copper.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate with a first set of conductors and a second set of conductors arranged in a grid pattern. The first conductors are formed of copper, which provides high electrical conductivity and cost efficiency compared to traditional materials like indium tin oxide (ITO). The second conductors may be formed of a different material, such as a transparent conductive oxide, to maintain optical transparency in the sensing area. The grid pattern allows for capacitive touch detection by measuring changes in capacitance when a conductive object, such as a finger, interacts with the sensor. The copper conductors are positioned in a way that minimizes visual obstruction while ensuring reliable touch detection. This design improves performance by reducing signal loss and enhancing sensitivity, making the sensor suitable for applications requiring high conductivity and durability, such as touchscreens for electronic devices. The use of copper also reduces manufacturing costs compared to alternative conductive materials.
11. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a height of the flat top surface of the first conductors measured from the flat surface of the substrate is 0.1 μm to 2.0 μm.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate with a flat surface and a plurality of first conductors arranged on the substrate. The first conductors have a flat top surface, and the height of this flat top surface, measured from the flat surface of the substrate, is between 0.1 micrometers and 2.0 micrometers. The first conductors are electrically conductive and may be arranged in a grid or other pattern to detect touch inputs. The sensor may also include second conductors intersecting the first conductors to form a capacitive touch-sensitive grid. The height of the first conductors is controlled to ensure proper touch sensitivity while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing interference with other sensor components. This design allows for precise touch detection with reduced signal noise and improved durability. The sensor may be integrated into electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or touchscreens. The specified height range ensures optimal performance by balancing conductivity, sensitivity, and mechanical stability.
12. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a width of the first conductors is 1 μm to 5 μm.
A touch panel sensor includes a plurality of first conductors and second conductors arranged in a grid pattern to detect touch inputs. The first conductors are spaced apart from the second conductors and electrically insulated from them. The first conductors are connected to a first terminal, and the second conductors are connected to a second terminal. The touch panel sensor operates by detecting changes in capacitance between the first and second conductors when a touch input occurs. The first conductors have a width of 1 μm to 5 μm, which allows for high-resolution touch detection while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing visual obtrusiveness. The second conductors may have a different width or shape to optimize signal transmission and reduce interference. The sensor may be integrated into a display or overlay structure, enabling touch-sensitive functionality in electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays. The narrow width of the first conductors ensures precise touch localization while reducing the visibility of the sensor grid, improving aesthetic appeal and user experience. The sensor may also include additional layers or coatings to enhance durability, transparency, or electrical performance.
13. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a surface resistivity of the conductive mesh is not more than 50 Ω/□.
A touch panel sensor incorporates a conductive mesh layer with a surface resistivity of no more than 50 ohms per square (Ω/□). This design enhances electrical conductivity, improving touch sensitivity and responsiveness. The conductive mesh is integrated into a touch-sensitive panel, allowing for accurate detection of touch inputs by users. The low surface resistivity ensures efficient signal transmission, reducing latency and improving overall performance. This feature is particularly useful in applications requiring high precision, such as smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays. The conductive mesh may be embedded within a transparent substrate or applied as a coating, depending on the specific implementation. The low-resistivity mesh also contributes to durability and reliability, as it minimizes signal degradation over time. This technology addresses the need for touch panels with superior conductivity, ensuring consistent and accurate touch detection in various environmental conditions. The conductive mesh may be fabricated using materials like copper, silver, or conductive polymers, optimized for both conductivity and transparency. The overall design balances electrical performance with mechanical robustness, making it suitable for consumer electronics and industrial applications.
14. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate is formed of polyethylene terephthalate.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a dielectric layer. The substrate provides structural support, while the first and second electrode layers are patterned to form a grid of sensing electrodes. The dielectric layer separates the two electrode layers to prevent electrical shorting. The substrate is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a flexible and durable material that enhances the sensor's flexibility and resistance to environmental factors. The first electrode layer is formed on the substrate and includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction. The second electrode layer is formed on the dielectric layer and includes a plurality of second electrodes arranged in a second direction, intersecting the first electrodes to create a grid. The dielectric layer is positioned between the first and second electrode layers to insulate them while allowing capacitive coupling. The sensor detects touch inputs by measuring changes in capacitance at the intersections of the electrodes. The PET substrate improves flexibility, making the sensor suitable for curved or bendable display applications. The electrode layers are typically made of conductive materials like indium tin oxide (ITO) or metal mesh, ensuring high transparency and conductivity. The dielectric layer is made of an insulating material such as silicon dioxide or a polymer. The sensor operates by scanning the grid to detect touch-induced capacitance changes, enabling precise touch detection. The PET substrate enhances durability and flexibility while maintaining optical clarity.
15. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the substrate is 20 μm to 500 μm.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate with a thickness between 20 micrometers and 500 micrometers. The substrate supports conductive patterns that detect touch inputs, such as finger or stylus interactions. The thickness range ensures structural integrity while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness. The sensor may incorporate transparent conductive materials like indium tin oxide (ITO) or alternative conductive layers to enable touch detection. The substrate can be made from flexible materials like polyimide or rigid materials like glass, depending on the application. The conductive patterns are arranged in a grid or other configuration to form touch-sensitive regions. When a user interacts with the panel, changes in capacitance or resistance are detected, allowing the system to determine touch location and gestures. The thickness range balances durability, flexibility, and manufacturing feasibility, making the sensor suitable for various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays. The design ensures reliable touch detection while accommodating different form factors and environmental conditions.
16. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the substrate is 30 μm to 400 μm.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate with a thickness ranging from 30 micrometers to 400 micrometers. The substrate supports conductive patterns that form touch-sensitive electrodes, enabling detection of touch inputs. The conductive patterns may be arranged in a grid or other configuration to create a sensing area. The substrate material is selected to provide structural support while maintaining flexibility, depending on the application. The thickness range ensures durability and responsiveness, balancing rigidity and flexibility. The sensor may be integrated into electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or touchscreens, where precise touch detection is required. The substrate's thickness is optimized to prevent deformation under pressure while allowing sufficient flexibility for curved or bendable displays. The conductive patterns are typically made of transparent conductive materials like indium tin oxide (ITO) or metal mesh, ensuring high transparency and conductivity. The sensor may also include additional layers, such as protective coatings or adhesive layers, to enhance durability and performance. The design allows for uniform touch sensitivity across the panel, improving user experience. The substrate's thickness range ensures compatibility with various manufacturing processes, including roll-to-roll production for large-scale fabrication.
17. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a light transmittance of the substrate in the visible light range is not less than 80%.
A touch panel sensor includes a substrate with a light transmittance of at least 80% in the visible light range. The substrate supports conductive patterns that detect touch inputs, such as finger or stylus interactions. The high transmittance ensures minimal visual obstruction, allowing clear visibility of underlying display elements. The conductive patterns may be arranged in a grid or other configuration to sense touch coordinates with precision. The sensor may also include insulating layers to prevent electrical interference between conductive traces. The substrate material is selected for optical clarity, durability, and compatibility with touch-sensitive applications, such as smartphones, tablets, or interactive displays. The design balances transparency with structural integrity, ensuring reliable touch detection without compromising display quality. The sensor may integrate with additional components, such as protective coatings or anti-reflective layers, to enhance performance in various lighting conditions. The high transmittance substrate enables seamless integration with high-resolution displays, maintaining image clarity while enabling responsive touch interactions.
Unknown
September 17, 2019
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.